Sunday Bible Verse

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10

Sunday Bible Verse

Let nothing be  done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Philippians 2:3

Happy Birthday, ECP!

Three years ago today I started this blog. Wow! I can't believe it! And this is my 175th post! That was certainly mot planned. *Haha*

Thank you, my readers, for being a part of this journey. I knew my blog would be read in my home country, but I never thought it would be read in France, Germany, and a hand full of other countries. Hi!

I hope and pray that God uses this blog to His glory. I pray over my posts before and after I write them, that God speaks through them, and helps someone grow a little closer to Him.

Now, I would like to say that I have continued plans for this blog. I'm planning on writing more on here, different things that I feel like God would want me to share, things that might be important. I am currently finishing my very first book. So, check back for updates on that. Maybe I can get some new short stories on here, too. And I will always be looking for stories from history to share.

I look forward to sharing with you the next 3 years (and many more) to come.

Have a great day!

Elizabeth :)

Jesus Loves You! <3

Sunday Bible Verse

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Galatians 6:9

Understanding Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength."

To understand this very misinterpreted verse, I'm going to present an example from the Bible itself, through a story about a woman experiencing this truth, while its author was probably in diapers.

Think of Elizabeth, Mary's cousin, who gave birth to John the Baptist. She never had any children of her own, and was beyond the age of having children, and yet God gave her a son. That in itself is a miracle, and you know that. But, let me take you deeper into that miracle.

Imagine Elizabeth as your grandmother. She's got to be between 60 and 80 years old. Can you imagine your grandparents having another child? They probably wouldn't be able to handle a crying baby 24/7, right? Long, sleepless nights, taking a 6-pound baby, that is constantly growing, with you wherever you go. What about when that child gets older, and needs more exercise and play time? I know my grandparents have a hard time shopping, let alone staying on top of a toddler, keeping them out of trouble. You might say, "What about the young neighbors around them? Couldn't they help take care of the child?" I'm sure they could, but not day and night. Many people were married and having children at young ages, with a million other chores to do. What is my point?

This example is a perfect comparison for Philippians 4:13. While it may provide comfort, people can, and sometimes do, use it for personal gain, or to justify a wrong. However, I can totally see Elizabeth saying this before Paul did. Not only did God give Elizabeth the ability to bare a son in her old, grandmotherly age, when she had never had a child before, but God also gave her the strength she needed to take care of that child as he grew into a man.

Now, get this:

God strengthened Elizabeth for His purpose, not for Elizabeth's purpose.

That child, named John, led many people on the right path to salvation during his short ministry. One of John's followers was a man named Andrew. He was able to recognize Jesus as the Christ because of his time with Elizabeth's son. And Andrew brought Simon Peter, his brother, to meet Jesus. Andrew also brought the boy with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread to Jesus, who in turn used that to feed over 5,000 people. God used Elizabeth, in her old age, to give him a servant, who in turn discipled a man, who later walked with Jesus, bringing glory to His Name. God gives you strength to obey His will, not to follow your own.

If you wanted to go bungee jumping, saying I can do all things, you're taking it out of context. But if God calls you to minister to people in a country where Christianity is strictly forbidden, He will give the strength to carry out his calling to you. Or, it may be something less dangerous, like raising a child.

You can do all of God's will for your life, through Christ who gives you strength.

Sunday Bible Verse

But those who seek my life, to destroy it,

Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

They shall fall by the sword;

They shall be a portion for jackals.

But the king shall rejoice in God;

Everyone who swears by Him shall glory;

But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

Psalms 63:9‭-‬11